The Operation Back to School project was founded in 2014 as an outreach program by members of the Overcomers Assembly who sought to reach out to the Montreal-West, Saint-Pierre and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce communities. Today, this local initiative is endorsed by the business community and the residents of surrounding neighborhoods.

We provide free backpacks and school supplies to deserving children in elementary schools as a way to lessen the financial burden on parents and to encourage school retention. To date, over 80 families have benefited from the program, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Together we have made a difference in the education of children and ultimately, in their lives.

Our aim is to promote academic success of young people aged between 5 and 12 in the NDG, Saint-Pierre, Montreal West and Saint-Jacques neighborhoods.

We believe that by supporting families, they can invest the saved resources in other much needed areas such as extracurricular activities.

Each child is awarded a personalized backpack filled with school supplies for the next school year.

Operation Back to School fosters a sense of belonging in youth, particularly those from underprivileged neighbourhoods. We support children aged between 5 and 12 by providing them with free school supplies to encourage performance and to boost school retention. We provide hope by supporting indigent families. We play a significant role in rallying the community in support of education.

Becauseit is our belief that every child deserves an opportunity to succeed

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Becauseby helping children we support the cycle of progress in their lives and the community

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BecauseWe value solidarity, one of the key pillars of the Canadian society

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BecauseIt takes an entire village to raise a child.

Our commitment is to encourage school perseverance

Our vision is « one community, one story, one future ». Young people are the heart of a community, the fabric of Canadian society. By investing in our children’s education, we are shaping the future of our country. Together we can build a stronger and prosperous nation.

Our program is volunteer-driven. We depend on the generosity of donors and volunteers for their time, money and expertise. We also rely on the expertise of organizations and community-based partners to identify right families (those living in the underprivileged corners of NDG, Saint Pierre and Montreal West).

All donations and gifts-in-kind are fully invested in the sponsorship program (to purchase the school supplies).

We contact the selected families in July of every year and ask them to submit their children’s school supply list for the next academic year. We purchase the school supplies and ensure that each child has all the items required. The whole process culminates with a celebratory event themed: “Celebrate Our Youth” during which, the students receive the personalized bags (filled with school supplies).

How can you help us? The Operation Back to School offers you two opportunities:

❖ Sponsorship of children aged 5 to 12. We raise funds to sponsor 100 children in elementary school. Individuals and businesses can help by sponsoring one child or more at a cost of 130$ each. Your donation will purchase a school bag and personalized school supplies for a deserving child.

❖ Sponsorship of the “Celebrate our Youth” event during which, children will receive their school supplies. To celebrate Canada’s 150th and Montreal 375th anniversaries, we plan to host a Reception for the 100 pre-selected kids and their families and use the event as a platform to celebrate the next generation in line to build our city, Montreal, and Canada. The Reception (with light refreshments) will be held at the Montreal-West Town Hall on August 5, 2017; from 1 to 4 p.m. Individuals and businesses can make a donation of cash or gift-in-kind such as: food and drinks, rentals and store coupons. Your support will ensure the success of the event and guarantee that 100% of all funds raised go to support the children and families.

Your Donations

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver” –Maya Angelou

Helping others feels GREAT!

Together we can make a difference in our children’s lives and build a better tomorrow for our community.

With a minimum donation of $20, you get a tax receipt and benefit when you file your returns.

Our Causes

Support the families

Statistics show that within the greater Montréal area, 40% of our working class live in poverty. In certain neighbourhoods, the percentage represents 1 in 3 workers. The statistics are unfortunate.. By providing respite to families during the back-to-school season, in a way, we are contributing to support the social fabric of our society.

Celebrating our youth

Our children and youth need encouragement and the need is always greater for those living in underprivileged communities. Join us. Help support their education and kick-start the cycle of progress in their lives and the community. Let us nurture progress and let their value shine through the eyes of our community

Our News!

Most Recent publication

9 Jul 2017

This year’s edition of the Operation Back to School project was launched on July 9th. We aim to reaffirm our commitment to education and success of tomorrow’s leaders by supporting our children’s education. We also plan to celebrate our beautiful city, Montreal and our homeland, Canada, by hosting deserving children and their families to a special Reception themed, “Celebrate Our Youth” on August 5, 2017. One hundred children will receive personalised school bags filled with their school supplies for the next school year.

Our Team

Raissa Epale

Project manager

Josepha Ekedi

Coordinator, institutionnal partnership

Michel Thierry Bayiga

Coordinator, Philanthropic development

Alliance Nyilidandi

Coordinator, communication

Zouhra Mohamed El-Amine

Project coordinator

Maha Belhadfa

Adviser

Martine Mwizerwa

Adviser

Abigail Nyilidandi

Volunteer coordinator

Franck Etoumbe

Consultant, Webmaster

Jean-Yves Ntone

Adviser Committee

Rose Wangechi

Adviser Committee

Anaymone Tsade

Adviser

Mary Linonge

Consultant, translation

Alexandra Latte

Coordinator, Finance

Become a volunteer

Application form:

Would you like to join our dynamic team by becoming a volunteer? Click on the “Apply” button and give us the following information:

Select the department you wish to participate in:

Communication

Organizational Partnership

Philanthropic Development (fundraising)

Your availability

*Applications will be selected based on available volunteer opportunities.